Today we’d like to introduce you to Keera Joel.
Hi Keera, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always fet like a misfit, like I didn’t quite fit. I found myself masking and hiding who I was. Living that way makes it almost impossible to connect with others because how can someone get close when you’re only showing them a tiny sliver of who you actually are? Over time, I found other people like me, people who were outside the mainstream. Little by little, I realized I could unmask. I could be myself. It was so freeing.
I ended up hosting gatherings for people who felt similar. I watched people come in shy, anxious, nervous, and over time, find friendships and bloom into their full selves. In a world that’s often anti-vulnerability, only about performance, and pretending we have it all together, our events felt like a soothing balm, a place to let down our guards and be actual humans.
Because of this, I ended up in a few different kinds of work. I guide trauma conscious yoga, and many of our participants are neurodivergent, queer, and in alternative relationship structures. I do body and energy work and cuddle and holstic therapy for folks who want a place to be fully themselves where they don’t have to be ashamed of their bodies or minds, where every part of them is met with unconditional warm regard. I often felt like I was wrong just for existing, and I don’t want anyone else to ever have to feel that way.
I also launched my nonprofit Unbreaking to provide low to no cost community care events. Our gatherings range from mental wellness support groups, flirting labs, platonic cuddle events, to D&D groups. We’re often trying fun, new ideas, always with the goal to foster connection, help people feel less alone, and show that all respectful folks are welcome just as they are.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been tough in some ways. I was renting a space in a beautiful old building. We’d gotten quite settled in, and it felt like home. It was affordable, and I poured in a lot of labor, tearing out carpeting, painting massive walls, organizing, etc. I then found out it was being sold. It was like the floor was ripped out from under us. I grieved because I absolutely love that building and appreciated how much it felt like home. I then dove into action to find a new place to rent. Most places that had the space we’d need were three times what I was paying. I ended up finding a gorgeous space with amazing landlords. Affording rent is really tough and a major stressor, especially because I always want to keep growing, to keep adding to the space.
Also, whenever you get groups of people together, it can get tricky to navigate different Big Feelings. Our rule is that all respectful people are welcome and that people get to belong as long as they don’t harm others. Some have various trauma or backgrounds that can make that tough, and it’s always hard to let someone know that our space isn’t for them. Luckily that doesn’t happen too often, though, and most people are kind, warm, compassionate, and empathetic.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I run BeHeld where I offer trauma conscious and embodied yoga, body work, and holistic and cuddle therapy. My main goal is for people to feel free of shame and fully accepted. Clients/participants are allowed to do what works for them and only participate in the ways that feel right. For my yoga, I focus both on mobility and deep presence with yourself, so not only is your mind getting tended to, but so is your body as we practice awareness and warm acceptance for ourselves. Busy brains, tiredness, modifying, and resting are all welcome.
For my body work and cuddle therapy, I tend to get a couple different kinds of clients. Some are women, trans folks, and nonbinary people where everything is slowed down, tender, and more about energy work where we might go deep into trauma in a safer, gently paced way. I also get a lot of men, and as long as they’re respectful, I bring full warmth to our sessions so they can be seen, cared for, and understood in a way that a lot may not find elsewhere. I strive to be completely present, attuned, and validating so that clients have a place where they can be appreciated for exactly who they are. I can also bring a type of platonic sensuality that isn’t often found elsewhere becuase I believe in the power of touch that feels good and isn’t just about puninishing away knots.
I also run Unbreaking, our nonprofit that supports those outside the mainstream. I’m proud of it because it’s a place to unmask, to heal in community, and to be silly, to play, to have fun, rather than taking everything so seriously. I believe we’re different because so many spaces can be stuffy or overly professional. While we do respect serious issues, we want to celebrate our weirdness and just be human together.
What were you like growing up?
I was incredibly shy growing up. I thought everyone had it together, and I was the only person who felt like I was floundering. I also grew up in a more conservative Christian household. I was constantly scanning myself for sin, worried that a momentary thought or frustration meant I was an awful person and was making God mad. I struggled with constant shame and anxiety.
On a happier note, I loved writing and reading and getting into other worlds. I have fond memories of going up to my grandparents’ cabin, fishing, and taking out the paddleboat.
I was pretty sheltered and impressionable, and I felt lucky to get into the more nerdy, dorky crowd because it kept me out of trouble. My friends and I would gently compete for the best grades. I also enjoy memories of playing Goldeneye and singing showtunes around the piano with them.
Pricing:
- Yoga – $8-$15 sliding scale
- Body work, cuddle therapy – $100/hr
- Unbreaking events – usually $0-$20 suggested donation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keerajoel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beheldwithkeera
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083128671031
- Other: https://unbreaking.net
